Manipur Violence: Plea filed before Supreme Court challenging internet ban in State

A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the indefinite internet ban imposed in Manipur since May 3 after violence broke out in the State..The petitioners, lawyer Chongtham Victor Singh and businessman Mayengbam James, pointed out that despite 'a clear and admitted de-escalation' of the situation', State-wide internet shutdown orders have repeatedly been issued by the Manipur government. "Not only have they [residents of the State] experienced feelings of fear, anxiety, helplessness, and frustration as a result of the shutdown, but they have also been unable to communicate with their loved ones or office colleagues, straining personal, professional, and social relationships. Additionally, they have been unable to send their children to school, access their bank accounts, receive or send payments, obtain essential supplies and medicines, and more, bringing their lives and livelihoods to a standstill," the plea said..In March this year, Justice MV Muralidharan of the Manipur High Court had ordered the Manipur government to “consider inclusion of the Meetei/Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe list, expeditiously, preferably within a period four weeks” from the date of the order.This led to widespread clashes between tribal and non-tribal communities leading to loss of lives.A division bench of the High Court had issued notice in a writ appeal against Justice Muralidharan's order, and the same is slated to be heard on June 6.The latest internet suspension order was issued by the State government on May 26..The blocking orders cite law and order and anti-social elements rather than public order, and the latest extensions did not go through the oversight of Review Committee as necessary in law, the petition stated.Further, it was submitted that the orders are grossly disproportionate as they prevent residents from exercising their fundamental rights of freedom of speech and freedom to carry on trade and occupation."The suspension orders do not explicitly mention reasons that fall within the contours of Article 19(2) of the Constitution; therefore, they violate Rule 2(2) of the Telecom Suspension Rules, and do not pass constitutional muster. For this reason alone, they must be declared unconstitutional and illegal," it was contended..The internet ban does not serve a legitimate goal, and does not have a direct nexus with the purpose of law and order given the ground situation at present, the plea further said. The notifications on internet ban have not been published on any website or social media and therefore, residents have not been able to make alternative arrangements or challenge such ban, it was submitted..The petitioners, therefore, prayed that the State be directed to restore internet services in all districts, and publish the suspension orders as well as the findings of the Review Committee..The petition was drawn by advocate Natasha Maheshwari and filed through advocate Shadan Farasat.